Bavarian Innovation Award for the spike® cutting force measurement system
spike®_inspindle - The sensing spindle for an intelligent machine tool
Engine parts, metallic implants and many other components are machined from compact blocks of material by so-called metal-cutting manufacturing processes. Machine tools for metal-cutting manufacturing are among the most complex manufacturing systems, since dynamics must be combined with rigidity and, above all, precision in the sub-micrometer range. In particular, the interface between the machine and the respective cutting tool, the spindle, is subject to high mechanical loads. Until now, the systems have reached their limits because the analytical possibilities for deeper insights into the process and monitoring were not available.
By integrating sensitive force measurement technology (spike® sensor system) into the highly stressed interface between machine and tool and intelligent processing of the sensor data, the spindle becomes "sentient".
Coupled with the innovative spike®_polar load visualization, the operator is shown the load on the individual tool cutting edge of the manufacturing process. This enables comprehensive process optimization and monitoring with automated 100 percent quality control of the workpiece.
The machine itself is also better protected: The evaluation of sensor data enables, for example, a rapid shutdown (under 6 ms) in the event of a crash. The technology opens up a completely new condition monitoring and the possibility of significantly increasing stiffness and thermal accuracy. The innovation spike®_inspindle is a milestone and will shape a new standard in machining production.
